Massive amounts of conspiracy videos are uploaded onto YouTube on a routine basis, following any tragic event, whether it is the Parkland shooting, Newtown or 9/11. Alex Jones, one of the most popular conspiracy theorists and owner of InfoWars was reprimanded by YouTube last week, after uploading a video that claimed survivors of the Parkland school shooting were paid, actors.
We are crisis actors, this crisis has called us to action. It seems that we have to become crisis actors because the adults who are supposed to protect us neglect to do so.
— Jaclyn Corin (@JaclynCorin) February 24, 2018
According to NBC News, the video violated YouTube's guidelines and was immediately removed, according to CNN.
YouTube then issued a strike against the popular channel, which has 2.3 million subscribers. According to YouTube's guidelines, Alex Jones' channel faces the risk of being suspended for two weeks, if it receives one more strike in the next three months. Two more strikes and YouTube may permanently terminate the channel.
YouTube slowing to remove videos
The Jones video was not the only one YouTube removed last week. YouTube removed the video "David Hogg the Actor," which was the No. 1 trending video of the day. The video garnered hundreds of thousands of views. On Wednesday, it appeared that YouTube conducted a purge of Conspiracy Theory videos surrounding the Parkland school shooting.
If you come for teen survivors of a mass shooting with conspiracy theories about crisis actors, be prepared to get trolled right back pic.twitter.com/HWDZTCcL2f
— BuzzFeed News (@BuzzFeedNews) February 25, 2018
YouTube is attempting to stop the channels before they upload, but appear to be losing the battle.
Jonathan Albright, Director of the Tow Center for Digital Journalism at Columbia University published an article on Medium discussing the conspiracy theory videos that come up when you do a YouTube search for "crisis actor." The Sandy Hook shooting led to numerous videos about "crisis actors" and their use to push gun control.
Several of those videos are still up.
Conspiracy videos continue to be promoted by YouTube
Jonathan Albright said he was surprised that thousands of conspiracy videos were being promoted on YouTube's "up next" recommendation, which looks to keep users on the site to watch videos. Albright says that every time a national tragedy occurs, the conspiracy genre grows in size and monetary value.
Albright viewed 9,000 clips, all dealing with "crisis actors."
YouTube was left alone when it was revealed what their role was in spreading misinformation around the recent election, while Facebook and Twitter got the most attention. Companies are now facing increased criticism on the content they host and distribute. They agreed to work at limiting its reach and spread. YouTube conspiracy videos continue to gain popularity and receive massive amounts of views. Some videos relating to Parkland have earned 200,000 views.
